What is Blood Glucose?
Blood glucose, or blood sugar, is the primary source of energy for your body’s cells. It comes from the food you eat, especially carbohydrates, and is carried to cells through the bloodstream. The hormone insulin helps regulate the absorption of glucose into cells, maintaining a stable level of sugar in your blood.
Why is Blood Glucose Monitoring Important?
Monitoring your blood glucose is essential, especially for people with diabetes. Consistently high or low glucose levels can lead to both short-term symptoms and long-term complications. Regular monitoring helps:
- Track how food, activity, stress, and medications affect glucose levels
- Prevent hypo- or hyperglycemia
- Guide insulin dosage and treatment plans
- Reduce the risk of diabetes complications such as nerve damage, kidney disease, and vision problems
Blood Glucose Reference Ranges
Here are commonly accepted blood glucose targets for non-pregnant adults with diabetes:
Timing | Target (mg/dL) | Target (mmol/L) |
---|---|---|
Fasting / Before Meals | 80–130 | 4.4–7.2 |
1–2 Hours After Meals | < 180 | < 10.0 |
Note: These targets may vary depending on your age, type of diabetes, and any other health conditions. Always follow your doctor’s guidance.
How is Blood Glucose Measured?
- Fingerstick Glucose Meters: Provide instant blood sugar readings with a drop of blood.
- Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs): Worn on the skin and provide real-time trends every few minutes.
- Lab Tests: Such as Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) and HbA1c for long-term control insights.
Tips for Managing Blood Glucose
- Eat a balanced diet with consistent carbohydrate intake
- Stay physically active
- Take medications or insulin as prescribed
- Keep a record of your readings to spot patterns
- Manage stress and get adequate sleep
Maintaining your blood glucose within the target range significantly lowers your risk of long-term complications and improves your overall quality of life.